Fall 2008 Newsletter

It’s been 19 months since the demolition hammer hit the old walls in the Goldstein Building and we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Holly Morgan, our new director, is finally able to breathe. Up until now she has been doing all the things that it takes to make the hall attractive; hanging pictures, drapes, mirrors, buying furniture, installing the video projector and renting the space.

If you are interested in renting the banquet Hall in the Hill Event Center please call Holly at 205-252-2262 ext. 118.

We still need some kind person to donate a 6ft. grand piano to the Hill Center. Remember, the Alabama Theatre is a 501©3 non profit organization so the donation will be deductible.

Marvelous Musical Sunday Movies

A new film series called Marvelous Musical Sunday Movies will be tailored to those people who enjoy seeing movies shown the way Hollywood intended, on the big screen, with big sound in a big, beautiful comfortable theatre. These movies will be shown on Sunday afternoons at 2pm; the organ will be played from 1:30pm until 2: pm. We hope to play movies when the theatre does not have a live Sunday booking, so you will have to watch our web site or call our office 252-2262 during regular business hours.

INTRODUCING A NEW FACE AT THE ALABAMA

A word from Holly Morgan, the new director of the Hill Event Center:

The Hill Event Center is finally a reality! This one-of-a-kind arts venue features an elegant 2500 square foot ballroom complete with dance floor, stage, bar and serving/kitchen area. Installation of the lobby draperies will occur in September as well as the completion of the new bridal room and coat check area. The arts center will begin developing the third and fourth floors for another large meeting/reception room, rooftop space, and rehearsal hall. The total square footage to develop is 3500 square feet.

For reservations or more information contact: Holly Morgan 252-2262 ext. 118 or hmorgan84@gmail.com

THE ALABAMA THEATRE

Although the work on the theatre is going slow we are progressing very well. The work on the stage right dressing rooms is about complete so we will have 15 good dressing rooms, thanks to grants from Alabama Power and many others.

Our 2008 Summer Film Series was great and the Children’s Matinee was very well attended with many little girls attending one Saturday dressed as Snow White next as Sleeping Beauty and the next as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. A real great time in the magical Alabama Theatre, where everyone lives happily ever after….

BIG BERTHA

The Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ that is cared for by the many volunteers from the Theatre Organ Society has not been sleeping this summer. Many problems have been corrected this summer and a new instrument has been installed. A new Vibraphone that has been needed for many years is in place in the pipe chamber and it will be played for the public very soon.

A special newsletter spotlight on the Alabama Organ Society. They spend their days off from work, working in the windowless pipe chambers, tuning, fixing and rewiring the massive pipe organ, one of the largest in the South, so that when one of our three staff organists hops on the organ bench and begins the short trip from the basement to stage level, the audience will applause thunderously for him and for Berth Bertha. But, no applause for the hard working organ crew, so this short article is our applause to this crew who make Big Bertha the world class instrument she is today.

THEATRE TOURS

Have you ever wanted to see what makes the Alabama Theatre work, hear all the silent film sound effects on the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, walk back stage where all the stars walk, go to the dressing rooms, hear about the famous Alabama Theatre ghost? Have all your questions about the Alabama answered. Just get 20 of your friends, church organization, or group together and call 205-252-2262 ext 100 and talk to Anthony Mitchell and book a 75 minute tour, the cost is only $5.00 each, minimum cost is $100.00. Tours are usually done on Tuesday or Thursday at 10AM when there is not an event in the theatre.

REMEMBER

If you need a space for a party, meeting, wedding/reception the place to call first is the Alabama Theatre Hill Center 205-252-2262 ext 118, and talk to Holly Morgan or The Alabama Theatre. Call the same number ext 100 and talk to Anthony Mitchell.

If you need to find out what is going on at the Alabama go on line at www.alabamatheatre.com, or www.ativeculture.com.

See you at the Alabama!